Secrets, Survival, and Slow-Burning Romance

Return to the Wilderness was a surprising, refreshing read that hits all the right notes in historical romance. Andrea Byrd brings Muireall and Jude to life in such an authentic way that it’s impossible not to feel connected to them. Both are outcasts with secrets they guard closely, and though they’re initially thrown together out of necessity, their relationship blossoms into something beautiful, raw, and hard-earned. I loved how their partnership felt real—nothing about their connection was rushed or overly sweet. Instead, Byrd builds their trust gradually, giving space for the characters to be vulnerable with each other while they navigate the wild, unpredictable frontier.

Byrd’s portrayal of the frontier becomes its own character in the story, full of both danger and quiet beauty. It adds so much tension and depth to Muireall and Jude’s journey, making every step they take feel like a battle for survival and connection.

Overall, if you’re into historical romance with layered characters and just enough grit, you may like this book.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

Return to the Wilderness is on Tour with Celebrate Lit!

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 22, 2024

Two outcasts. One marriage of convenience. A love story forged in the fires of adversity.

Muireall Blair has finally found a comfortable life at Fort Harrod—until she experiences a recurring nightmare that warns of impending doom for her sister. Unable to shake the weight of foreboding, Muireall cannot sit idle anymore and risk the dream becoming a reality. With her near-sightedness a closely guarded secret, she seeks the help of Jude, a man with his own hidden past, to reach her sister.

Jude Browne has been gifted with a life of fighting for survival, not one of finding acceptance. Half-blinded as a youth, the scars across his face and the knowledge of his illegitimate birth serve as a reminder of his worthlessness. However, when his mother falls ill, she finally lays bare all the secrets she has kept all his life. Secrets that point to his one chance of finding who he truly is.

Jude and Muireall soon realize that a marriage of convenience is the key to reaching Pitman Station safely. But when their secrets unravel and danger closes in, will they succumb to the shadows of their pasts, or will they find the strength to forge a new future together?

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About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

More from Andrea

I love to read books that have historical facts, especially little-known ones, woven into their pages. Within my books, I strive to do the same and Return to the Wilderness is no exception.

This book comes in after the unrest of what some call the “Indian Wars,” in Kentucky. During that time, attacks by the native were frequent and brutal. Many of the Station Masters and long hunters in the area lost family members. If you read, Rescue in the Wilderness, you have seen a glimpse of this time and how devastating it could be.

Due to these attacks, stations and settlements were often abandoned. Sometimes the families returned after this time period came to an end and sometimes the buildings were simply left to deteriorate and become shells of a past time. I do not want to give any spoilers, but if you decide to read Return to the Wilderness, you will find out just how this little piece of history impacts the main character, Muireall (the sister from Redemption in the Wilderness).